The official ceremony took place on 8 June 2008, at the Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Thailand.

Actors Boman Irani and Ritesh Deshmukh co-hosted the ceremony for the first time.

The IIFA Music and Fashion Extravaganza took place on 7 June 2008, as did the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum.

[1] On 6 June, The IIFA World Premiere was held at Major Cineplex, Bangkok which showcased Sarkar Raj, starring Indian Film icons Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, directed by Ram Gopal Varma.

Konkona Sen Sharma received dual nominations for Best Supporting Actress for her performances in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Life in a... Metro, winning for the latter.